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Mikhail Aleshin Announces F1 Deal for 2011

Last week, we had reported to you that Mikhail Aleshin has set himself a high aim for the upcoming year: making his debut inside Formula One. And while many looked at that report with a smile on their face, the current Renault World Series champion is closer than ever to becoming the second Russian driver to race in the Great Circus.

The ball was opened by Vitaly Petrov last year who, thanks to political backing from Russian PM Vladimir Putin, managed to secure the necessary sponsorship for an F1 seat. All he needed was a chance to prove himself and, thanks to some impressive performances in 2010, looks set to continue his adventure in 2011 with Renault. As team boss Eric Boullier admitted recently, ”it (the situation) is more positive for Vitaly than negative.”

Being that Renault F1 Team is so close to Russian drivers lately – their sponsorship deal with Lada may have some influence in that – Aleshin recently tested for the French manufacturer in Abu Dhabi, where he also told the media that he would need between EUR10 to 15 million to secure a place in F1 next season.

In the meantime, it seems that he got his wish to turn into reality, as he told Russian news website gzt.ru that he has already agreed terms with an unnamed F1 team for his debut as a race driver in 2011.

We are considering options and there are some very interesting proposals. I'm not allowed to talk about it, so I'll try for it to be a surprise. In fact, the issue of my participation (in F1) is resolved. But it is not guaranteed, because there are no guarantees in Formula One,” confirmed Aleshin, whose sponsors for a potential campaign in F1 next season are, among others, state-owned Gazprom and Cordiant tires.

Recent reports have linked Aleshin with potential deals with Virgin Racing, Lotus or Force India. From the three teams, we believe Virgin may be the best place he'll land in 2011, especially since the British team has recently been purchased by Russian sportscar maker Marussia.
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